Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisation (LCN) delivered laptop computers and printers to the 12 member NGOs based in both Leribe and Botha-Bothe respectively. The equipment which was delivered on Tuesday 22nd March 2011 at Lesotho Pre-School and Day-care Association (LPDCA) offices is part of the project titled ‘Using Information Technology-IT for Development’ supported by the Local Government and Non-state actors Support Programme (LGNSP).

Speaking at the occasion LCN Executive Director Mrs. ‘Mabulara Tšuene revealed that the equipment came after the proposal that was made to LGNSP in order to fill the NGOs capacity gap on IT. “We are always trying to meet the capacity needs of our member NGOs. Therefore when LGNSP acceded to our call to help assist them to deliver on their developmental programmes using technology, this correlated directly with LCN strategic function of both Capacity Building and Networking.”

LCN Board Member - Mr. Lemohang Molibeli & the Executive Director - Mrs. Mabulara Tšuene accepting part of the equipment delivered to Leribe NGOs

The Executive Director further indicated that in keeping with the strategic functions, the benefiting NGOs were in addition trained on computer applications to ensure effective use of the equipment. “We therefore appeal to you to make sure the equipment used for office purposes only. As result we have developed a number of conditions and terms that you would have to swear to abide by in ensuring both the security and protection of the equipment to benefit you all.”

The conditions for taking the equipment include to protect and ensure the equipment is secure from any harmful effects that include fire, water, theft and or any other harm that could compromise the proper functioning of the equipment and also to periodically report to LCN on the conditions of the equipment.

Mr. Lemohang Molibeli, LCN board member and the Commissioner of Human and Social Development Commission (HSDC) implored upon the beneficiaries to be wary of the equipment being the source of conflict that may lead to the demise of their NGOs. He said that resources such as the computer have the tendency to divide members when it comes to better usage for the benefit of their organizations. “We must therefore build policies that would guide you in using the equipment to report on your activities and network properly through the better use of the computers. Take this equipment as an opportunity to grow.” He said at the same time urging the beneficiaries to ensure no improper use of the equipment.

LGNSP’s deputy Field Coordinator, Mrs. ‘Malepota Mafeka said on the same occasion that the IT equipment is just one of the many initiatives that the LGNSP programme from the European Commission. “The purpose of the programme is to strengthen local government by working with various stakeholders such as in the area of capacity building, the ‘use of IT for development’ project directly augment this purpose. We are indeed pleased that now NGOs will be able to market themselves and their activities to potential donors with ease by using the IT resources.” She concluded by appreciating the good work that NGOs undertake to develop the lives of Basotho and reiterated that LGNSP will always be there to support them.

The ‘Use of IT for Development’ project is implemented through the Information Unit of the LCN that is tasked with among others effecting media and information technology training as well as providing advice and support relating to printed and electronic communication and information sharing within the NGO community.

The project is further aimed at enabling environment at community and district level which strengthens dialogue around effecting social change and further citizen participation. In addition to reinforce dialogue, interaction and cooperation between state actors, local governments and non state actors at all levels of the decision making process in the context of decentralization and to enhance coordination and voice of civil society organizations.
The NGOs that benefited from the project include Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Boiteko Women’s Association, Lesotho Pre-School and Day-Care (LPDCA), Lesotho Forestry Association (LFA), Bossele Association, Khatang Tema, Lesotho Teachers Trade Union (LTTU), Young Christian Students (YCS), Center for Empowerment and Social Analysis (CESA), Ex-Miners and Lesotho Youth Federation (LYFe).